Aston Martin has introduced a significant upgrade package for its AMR26 at the Hungarian Grand Prix, confirming a shift in aerodynamic direction. The B-spec car is intended to reverse a difficult start to the 2026 season for the Silverstone-based team.
Team representative Mike Krack confirmed the team is pursuing a new development path. The update includes a significant aerodynamic overhaul and a targeted weight reduction, key areas previously highlighted by team principal Adrian Newey.
The team has struggled significantly in the first half of the season, often finding itself at the back of the grid. At the Belgian Grand Prix, its cars were several seconds off the pace in qualifying. This upgrade represents a single, major step after rivals made incremental gains.
Krack expressed confidence that both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will have the upgraded car available for Friday practice at the Hungaroring. He noted that while the team worked flat out to prepare two cars, the spare chassis remains the previous specification.
‘I think Adrian mentioned it already a while ago, that the upgrade is a significant aerodynamic upgrade and a weight reduction. That is the key or the red line of it.’
Despite the scale of the changes, the team is managing expectations. Krack stated the upgrade is not a ‘make or break’ moment but rather one step in a longer development plan. He stressed that it will take time to fully understand and optimise the new package.
Fernando Alonso also cautioned against expecting a dramatic turnaround, noting the gap to the midfield at Spa was substantial. He views the update as a crucial test to see if the team is on the right development path for the future.
The initial focus will be on data collection and basic tests for parameters like ride height and rake over the coming events. This package is the first of a two-stage upgrade, with a Honda power unit improvement scheduled for after the summer break.
